Columbus, OH - Air BnB Vacancy Rates

[Aaron Vargas]

My wife and I are starting to look into SFH and condos to purchase as an investment property used as a short-term rental (Air BnB) in Columbus, OH. We have a unique work set up where we will live in Lexington, Kentucky, but I will come to Columbus a few times each month for work. I will stay in the property during those few days then we will rent it out the rest of the time.

I am trying to create a model to run numbers on potential properties, but I'm not sure what to use for expected vacancy. I know vacancy is a function of hundreds of factors, but in general, a property in close proximity to Ohio Stadium, downtown, the Convention Center, etc, - what is a conservative overall vacancy estimate for the year when used as an Air BnB type rental?

Thanks for your input!

[Ed W.]

Aaron, I don't know the details because I have no interest in short-term rentals but Columbus just passed an ordinance that will govern what you can do.  I know what they originally proposed (and that was onerous) but I don't know what they actually passed.  It is strongly in your best interest to read it.